Media: Syria, Israel expected to conclude military agreements by end of 2025

Israel and Syria are preparing to sign several agreements in the military and security spheres by the end of 2025, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported, citing a source in the Syrian Foreign Ministry.

“Progress is being made in negotiations with Israel. Several agreements will be reached by the end of the year, primarily in the military and security spheres,” the source stated. He added that both sides are working toward “an agreement that will put an end to hostilities in Syria.”

On September 17, Syrian transitional government Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Israeli Minister of Strategic Planning Ron Dermer met in London under the auspices of the United States.

According to Syria TV, the talks, which lasted five hours, focused on a new draft agreement on security measures intended to replace the 1974 accord on the separation of Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights. The discussions were mediated by US Special Representative Tom Barrack.

Earlier, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the transitional president of Syria, said that the ongoing contacts with Israel regarding security arrangements could deliver tangible results within days. He simultaneously demanded the return of UN observers to the Golan Heights, stressing that Israel must respect Syria’s territorial integrity and refrain from violating its airspace.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s An-Nahar newspaper reported that Israel has drafted a proposal modelled on the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty. According to the paper, Israel is pressing for the creation of three demilitarised zones southwest of Damascus, with varying security regimes depending on proximity to the Israeli border. Syria would be permitted to deploy police units in these areas, but flights over the zones would be prohibited.

At the same time, Israel intends to maintain control over Mount Hermon (Jebel al-Sheikh), which its forces captured in December 2024 following the political transition in Damascus.

By Tamilla Hasanova